Enhanced virtual and/or augmented communications interface

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides systems and methods employing a conferencing system for facilitating enhanced communication between users. In certain embodiments, the conferencing system comprises a communication interface configured to, during a conference session, provide a virtual and/or augmented conference between multiple users having access to a multi-channel, multi-access, always-on, and non-blocking communication. In particular embodiments, the communication interface is in communication with at least one additional component select from: a video component, a data component (e.g., that provides non-audio data to one or more of said users), an audio/video ambience component, and a whiteboard component.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional applicationSer. No. 62/436,892, filed Dec. 20, 2016, which is herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods employing aconferencing system for facilitating enhanced communication betweenusers. In certain embodiments, the conferencing system comprises acommunication interface configured to, during a conference session,provide a virtual and/or augmented conference between multiple usershaving access to a multi-channel, multi-access, always-on, andnon-blocking communication. In particular embodiments, the communicationinterface is in communication with at least one additional componentselected from: a video component, a data component (e.g., that providesnon-audio data to one or more of said users), an audio/video ambiencecomponent, and a whiteboard component.

BACKGROUND

According to the IDC total revenue for virtual reality and augmentedreality is projected to increase from $5.2 billion in 2016 to over $162billion by 2020. While initial market growth is being driven byentertainment and gaming, Deloitte Digital says the largest marketopportunities lie within enterprises and the greatest level of adoptionwill be around collaboration and training applications. Teams that arenot in the same physical environment will be able to enter virtualenvironments to exchange information and ideas in ways that surpass twodimensional video and conferencing. Virtualized reality collaborationwill take how we communicate, share ideas and concepts to a completelynew level. However, the underlying technology for maximizing thepotential of virtualized or augmented reality collaboration is lacking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods employing aconferencing system for facilitating enhanced communication betweenusers. In certain embodiments, the conferencing system comprises acommunication interface configured to, during a conference session,provide a virtual and/or augmented conference between multiple usershaving access to a multi-channel, multi-access, always-on, andnon-blocking communication. In particular embodiments, the communicationinterface is in communication with at least one additional componentselect from: a video component, a data component (e.g., that providesnon-audio data to one or more of said users), an audio/video ambiencecomponent, and a whiteboard component.

In some embodiments, provided herein is a conferencing system forfacilitating enhanced communication between users, the conferencingsystem comprising: a communication interface configured to, during aconference session, provide a virtual and/or augmented conferencebetween multiple users having access to a multi-channel, multi-access,always-on, and non-blocking communication.

In certain embodiments, the communication interface is in communicationwith a video component that provides video to one or more of said users(e.g., allowing a 180 degree . . . 270 degree . . . or 360 degree videoview for the user). In particular embodiments, the communicationinterface is in communication with a data component that providesnon-audio data to one or more of said users (e.g., allowing a 180 degree. . . 270 degree . . . or 360 degree data view for the user). In someembodiments, the communication interface is in communication with anaudio/video ambience component that provides audio/video to one or moreof said users. In further embodiments, the communication interface is incommunication with a whiteboard component that provides a whiteboardfunction to one or more of said users (e.g., allowing a 180 degree . . .270 degree . . . or 360 degree whiteboard view for the user). In certainembodiments, the communication interface is configured to allow a userto navigate by swiping, pinching, zooming in, or zooming out on thecontent being viewed (e.g., the video, data presented, whiteboard,etc.).

In some embodiments, the communication interface is in communicationwith an audio analysis component that analyzes incoming human speechaudio data for: i) substantive content and/or 2) human emotion content.In certain embodiments, the audio analysis component comprisesartificial intelligence software and/or machine learning software. Infurther embodiments, the substantive content comprises situationalcontext, wherein the situational context comprises at least onesituation selected from the group consisting of: a medical emergency, aproduct or service complaint, a financial inquiry, a product or serviceorder, a product or service review, a credit card inquiry, and a requestto display a whiteboard. In further embodiments, the human emotioncontent comprises at least one human emotion selected from the groupconsisting of: distress, pain, anger, frustration, happiness,satisfaction, annoyance, and panicking.

In some embodiments, provided herein is a non-transitory computerreadable storage media having instructions stored thereon that, whenexecuted by a conferencing system, direct the conferencing system toperform a method for facilitating enhanced communication between users,the method comprising: during a conference session, providing a virtualand/or augmented conference with multi-channel, multi-access, always-on,and non-blocking communication between a plurality of users.

In some embodiments, provides herein are systems for generating a clientcommunication interface for a conference session comprising: a) acomputer processor, and b) non-transitory computer memory comprising oneor more computer programs and a database, wherein said one or morecomputer programs comprises virtual and/or augmented reality clientcommunication interface software, and wherein said one or more computerprograms, in conjunction with said computer processor, is/are configuredto generate a client communication interface for a conference sessionwith a plurality of users by sending and receiving information from thefollowing first components: i) a com system component, wherein said comsystem component is configured to, during a conference session, providea multi-channel, multi-access, always-on, and non-blockingcommunication; ii) a video system component, wherein said videocomponent provides video to said plurality of users; and iii) a datacomponent, wherein said data component provides non-audio data to saidplurality of users.

In particular embodiments, the one or more computer programs, inconjunction with said computer processor, is/are further configured togenerate said client communication interface for a conference sessionwith a plurality of users by sending and receiving information from atleast one of the following second components: i) audio/video ambiencecomponent that provides audio/video to said plurality of users, and ii)a whiteboard component that provides a whiteboard function to saidplurality of users. In certain embodiments, the virtual and/or augmentedreality client communication interface software comprises centrallylocated SaaS software. In other embodiments, the SaaS software is hostedon the Internet (e.g., and the users log into the internet to access aclient communication interface).

In some embodiments, provided herein are systems and methods forgenerating a client communications interface (e.g., a virtualreality/augmented reality communication interface) for users, such asfor collaboration and/or training, which is generated by being incommunication with a com component, wherein said com component enablescomplex, multi-channel voice collaboration, audio routing, andmonitoring. In certain embodiments, provided herein are systems andmethods for generating a client communication interface (e.g., forcollaboration and/or training), that is in communication with at leasttwo of the following components: 1) a com component (e.g., Matrix & PBXcommunications), which enables complex, multi-channel voicecollaboration, audio routing, and monitoring, seamlessly integrated withstandard PBX capabilities, and interoperable with communication systemsoutside VR; 2) a data LAN component for real-time telemetry datamonitoring/interfacing; 3) a video system component, for multi-channelvideo monitoring/interfacing; 4) a control console component, providinga control surface, for controlling at least one of: lighting, audioswitching, audio mixing consoles, video switching, and local or remoteaudio and video sources, local and remote telemetry data, and more froman intuitive UI; 5) a white board component for 3D white boarding, and6) an audio system component for providing sound. In certainembodiments, at least three, at least four, a least five or all six ofsuch components are in communication with the client communicationinterface. In some embodiments, one or both of the following additionalcomponents are in communication with the client communication interface:6) an audio/visual ambience component that, for example, creates thefeeling of “real life” application specific experiences, and/or 7)geo-positioning (e.g., 3D or 2D) and mapping component.

As used herein the terms “processor” and “central processing unit” or“CPU” are used interchangeably and refer to a device that is able toread a program from a computer memory (e.g., ROM or other computermemory) and perform a set of steps according to the program.

As used herein, the terms “computer memory” and “computer memory device”refer to any storage media readable by a computer processor. Examples ofcomputer memory include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, computerchips, digital video disc (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), hard disk drives(HDD), and magnetic tape.

As used herein, the term “computer readable medium” refers to any deviceor system for storing and providing information (e.g., data andinstructions) to a computer processor. Examples of computer readablemedia include, but are not limited to, DVDs, CDs, hard disk drives,magnetic tape and servers for streaming media over networks.

As used herein the terms “multimedia information” and “mediainformation” are used interchangeably to refer to information (e.g.,digitized and analog information) encoding or representing audio, video,and/or text. Multimedia information may further carry information notcorresponding to audio or video. Multimedia information may betransmitted from one location or device to a second location or deviceby methods including, but not limited to, electrical, optical, andsatellite transmission, and the like.

As used herein the term “audio information” refers to information (e.g.,digitized and analog information) encoding or representing audio. Forexample, audio information may comprise encoded spoken language with orwithout additional audio. Audio information includes, but is not limitedto, audio captured by a microphone and synthesized audio (e.g., computergenerated digital audio).

As used herein the term “video information” refers to information (e.g.,digitized and analog information) encoding or representing video. Videoinformation includes, but is not limited to video captured by a videocamera, images captured by a camera, and synthetic video (e.g., computergenerated digital video).

As used herein the term “text information” refers to information (e.g.,analog or digital information) encoding or representing written languageor other material capable of being represented in text format (e.g.,corresponding to spoken audio).

As used herein the term “configured to receive multimedia information”refers to a device that is capable of receiving multimedia information.Such devices contain one or more components that can receive signalcarrying multimedia information.

As used herein the term “encode” refers to the process of converting onetype of information or signal into a different type of information orsignal to, for example, facilitate the transmission and/orinterpretability of the information or signal. For example, audio soundwaves can be converted into (i.e., encoded into) electrical or digitalinformation.

As used herein the term “in electronic communication” refers toelectrical devices (e.g., computers, processors, conference bridges,communications equipment) that are configured to communicate with oneanother through direct or indirect signaling. For example, a conferencebridge that is connected to a processor through a cable or wire, suchthat information can pass between the conference bridge and theprocessor, are in electronic communication with one another. Likewise, acomputer configured to transmit (e.g., through cables, wires, infraredsignals, telephone lines, etc) information to another computer ordevice, is in electronic communication with the other computer ordevice.

As used herein the term “transmitting” refers to the movement ofinformation (e.g., data) from one location to another (e.g., from onedevice to another) using any suitable means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system architecture for generating a clientcommunication interface, that is in communication with a number ofsystems (e.g., audio system, com system, video system, data LAN), thatis hosted by a virtual and/or augmented control room Saas software, andthat can be linked to any given number of users (e.g., so that they mayparticipate in a virtual and/or augmented reality conference togetherby, for example, wearing a VR headset that provides a visual and audiodepiction of the client communication interface).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods employing aconferencing system for facilitating enhanced communication betweenusers. In certain embodiments, the conferencing system comprises acommunication interface configured to, during a conference session,provide a virtual and/or augmented conference between multiple usershaving access to a multi-channel, multi-access, always-on, andnon-blocking communication. In particular embodiments, the communicationinterface is in communication with at least one additional componentselect from: a video component, a data component (e.g., that providesnon-audio data to one or more of said users), an audio/video ambiencecomponent, and a whiteboard component.

In some embodiments, provided herein are systems and methods forgenerating a client communications interface (e.g., a virtualreality/augmented reality communication interface) for users, such ascollaboration and/or training, which is in communication with a comcomponent, wherein said com component enables complex, multi-channelvoice collaboration, audio routing, and monitoring. In certainembodiments, provided herein are systems and methods for generating aclient communication interface that is in communication with at leasttwo of the following components: 1) a com component (e.g., Matrix & PBXcommunications), which enables complex, multi-channel voicecollaboration, audio routing, and monitoring, seamlessly integrated withstandard PBX capabilities, and interoperable with communication systemsoutside VR; 2) a data LAN component for real-time telemetry datamonitoring/interfacing; 3) a video system component, for multi-channelvideo monitoring/interfacing; 4) a control console component, providinga control surface, for controlling at least one of: lighting, audioswitching, audio mixing consoles, video switching, and local or remoteaudio and video sources, local and remote telemetry data, and more froman intuitive UI; 5) a white board component for 3D white boarding, and6) an audio system component for providing sound. In certainembodiments, at least three, at least four, a least five or all six ofsuch components are provided together in communication with the clientthe communications interface. In some embodiments, one or both of thefollowing additional components are provided in communication thecommunications interface: 6) an audio/visual ambience component that,for example, creates the feeling of “real life” application specificexperiences, and/or 7) geo-positioning (e.g., 2D or 3D) and mappingcomponent.

In particular embodiments, the com component (e.g., a Matrix & PBXcommunications component) enables multi-channel, multi-access,always-on, non-blocking communications between users, meaning anyone canlisten and/or speak to one or more users, in any complexity and withoutlimitation. Such a component, in certain embodiments, enables audiorouting, monitoring of virtually unlimited audio channels, andinterfacing with source feeds via four-wire audio or SIP. Moreover, thiscomponent, in certain embodiments, incorporates an integrated, fullyfunctional SIP PBX, to add all standard PBX capabilities, and enableseamless communications between matrix and PBX users. In certainembodiments, a gaze-to-talk (GTT) capability enables activation of voiceor audio channels by looking or putting focus on (gazing) towards aselector, object, or form associated with any given channel. Dependingon the VR platform and configuration, a “tap” or click of a game controlbutton can latch the channel. The com component, in particularembodiments, is highly interoperable and readily interfaces with realworld IP PBXs, hardware intercom systems, and two-way radios forseamless communications between VR control rooms, physical controlrooms, and field operations.

In some embodiment, the data component is a real-time telemetry datamonitoring/interfacing components that allows, for example, users tomonitor real-time telemetry data on one or more viewing surfaces thatcan be sized and placed anywhere within three dimensional space of theclient communications interface. That data component may also providesoftware to interface with telemetry data from local or remote sources.

In particular embodiments, the video system component is a multi-channelvideo monitoring/interfacing component that allows, for example, usersto monitor one or more video surfaces that can be sized and placedanywhere in three dimensional space created in the client communicationsinterface. Such component, in certain embodiments, provides software tointerface with remote video sources.

In some embodiments, the data component comprises control surfaces thatallow, for example, users to control both physical and soft systems inthe client communication interface (e.g., in the virtual reality andaugmented reality session that is generated), including communications,lighting, audio switchers and mixing consoles, machine/automationcontrol, and more. In particular embodiments, such component supportindustry standard protocols for controlling smart systems via web basedapplications and also make the control APIs available to third parties.

In further embodiments, the data component provides three-dimensional(3D) White boarding, which enables users, for example to mark-up, write,capture notes, and draw, in collaboration with others, in threedimensional space in the client communications interface.

In some embodiments, the data component (e.g., that provides non-audiodata) provides a geo-positioning (e.g., 2D or 3D) and mapping component.In particular embodiments, the systems and methods herein collectgeo-position data (e.g., 2D or 3D geo-positioning data) from one or moreusers (e.g., users in the field) and then display such data as part ofthe conferencing systems described herein.

In certain embodiments, the audio/visual ambience component allows, forexample, users to be able to upload images and sounds, stream video, andselect from a repository of audio and visual content that become thebasis of the “backdrop” of their virtual and/or augmented experiences inthe client communications interface. Ambience may include, for example,one or more live cameras and microphones placed in a physical controlroom to enhance the feeling of “being there” for remote operators usingonly VR or AR headsets. This is especially useful in limited spacecontrol rooms such as video trucks and aircraft testing mobile units,and also suitable for remote training and instructional classes.

In further embodiments, the Geo-positioning (e.g., 2D or 3D) and mappingcomponent allows, for example, the use of Google Earth (or similarprogram) in VR, which allows users to walk through any location on earthin 3D virtual and/or augmented reality space with voice and/or audiomonitor channels tied to the geo position of each user, both in VR andin the “real world”, and appearing on the map. Users are able toactivate talk/listen paths by “gazing” at a location/selector and patchchannels by drawing an actual line between two or more. In command andcontrol applications, central command has an actual bird's eye view ofall their assets and is able to better coordinate and communicate inreal-time.

In certain embodiments, the above mentioned components can be adjustedand placed by users into the desired location within 3D, virtual and/oraugmented reality space of the generated client communicationsinterface. Moreover, users have the ability to select certain componentsin AR or VR only, to better experience their physical environments.

EXEMPLARY APPLICATIONS

Provided below are a number of exemplary applications of the systems andmethods.

1. VR Stock Exchange

Using the SaaS platform software that generates the clientcommunications interface, in communications with the various components,a stock exchange can be created in VR in the client communicationsinterface. In this application, one can extend a stock exchange with aphysical presence, such as the NYSE, to traders in different geographiclocations. In certain embodiments, a purely virtual and/or augmentedstock exchange could be created as well with no physical presence. Thecustomer may be a bank (e.g., major) bank that wants to provide it's onemany traders (e.g., one thousand traders) located around the world an“on floor” trading experience.

For example, to begin, the customer creates an account online from thehosting website (see, e.g., FIG. 1). The system administrator can thenlogin to a private and secure web-based utility that enables thecreation of custom virtual and/or augmented reality experiences. Toset-up a virtual and/or augmented stock exchange the administratorselects a menu option to create a new experience and name itappropriately. The administrator then designates, for example, onethousand users, pricing is calculated, and the customer agrees to thefees, billed monthly until discontinued. The administrator can thenimport or input user information and contact information and later inthe process send out invites. Note, all users may or may not be assignedto the same virtual and/or augmented experience(s) set up by theadministrator and within each virtual and/or augmented experience of theclient communications interface, may or may not be assigned allcomponents. In this fashion the administrator can determine, based oncriteria such as job function and rank, which experiences and componentsare appropriate or needed on a per user basis. The administrator is thenpresented with a menu of components that can be used to create thedesired experience. Initial components include, for example, and can belisted as: “Add Comms”, “Add Data Feed”, “Add Video”, “Add ControlSurface”, “Add White Boarding”, and “Add Audio/Video Ambience.”

The administrator first selects “Add Comms” to create non-blocking,always-on conferencing channels (“Hoots”), used by traders to facilitatebuying and selling of stocks. One or more Hoots may be set up, named,and assigned to various users. The administrator may also interface toexisting Hoots via SIP or four-wire audio interface. Also using the “AddComms” option the administrator may set up one or more communicationschannels to stream live financial news for traders to monitor. Thesesources may be interfaced via four-wire audio, SIP, or chosen fromonline Internet news audio sources. Once created the Hoots can bedisplayed in different shapes, sizes, and color combinations and movedin virtual and/or augmented reality space by users.

Next the administrator selects “Add Data” to add real-time tradermetrics to the client communications interface, either interfaced fromthe source at the physical exchange, through a service such a Bloomberg,or from another third party. In this example, it is assumed that thebank has an existing real-time data feed from the exchange. Thegenerated client communication interface provides a number of tools,options, and APIs to enable users to interface real-time data streamsand bring them into the VR domain. Once the telemetry data feed isset-up, named, and saved, it can be assigned to one or more users. Thedata feed appears in virtual and/or augmented reality space to users asa screen that can be sized and moved to the desired location.

Next the administrator selects “Add Video” to add a live financial newsTV channel. As with the other components, source options and strategiesfor acquisition vary. In this example the source is cable TV and thefeed acquired via a video card on a client side PC running software thatacquires the feed and brings it into the VR client communicationsinterface for distribution to users. When users enter the virtual and/oraugmented reality experience, the video feed appears as a screen thatcan be sized and moved around in virtual and/or augmented space to thedesired location.

Next the administrator selects “Add Ambience” and chooses from a libraryof high resolution 360 photos to simulate a stock exchange, or upload a360 photo of their own, perhaps taken from an actual stock exchange. Apreviously recorded, looping 360 video can also be used, or a 360 livestream. When users enter the VR experience of the client communicationsinterface, the backdrop appears as the created world around them.

Once all required components are created the administrator can test theVR experience, select to “Go Live”, and send out invites via email ortext to assigned users.

2. VR Rocket Launch

Using the SaaS platform software and system architecture (e.g., FIG. 1),a rocket launch control room can be created in VR as the clientcommunications interface. In this application one can extend a rocketlaunch control room with a physical presence to remote participants.Note, a “stand alone” virtual control room (client interface) with nophysical presence can be created around this application as well, ormost other applications. Training, simulation, design, and educationpurposes are possible applications for purely virtual control roomexperiences, as well as production applications that do not require aphysical presence.

To begin, the customer creates an account online from a hosting websitethat provides the SaaS software for generating the client communicationsinterface. The system administrator can then login to a private andsecure web-based utility that enables the creation of custom virtualreality experiences. To set-up a virtual rocket launch control room theadministrator selects a menu option to create a new experience and nameit appropriately. The administrator then designates the number of usersthat require access to the experience, pricing is calculated, and thecustomer agrees to the fees, billed monthly until discontinued. Theadministrator can then import or input user information and contactinformation and later in the process send out invites. Note, all usersmay or may not be assigned to the same virtual experience(s) set up bythe administrator and within each virtual experience, may or may not beassigned all components. In this fashion the administrator candetermine, based on criteria such as job function and rank, whichexperiences and components are appropriate or needed on a per userbasis. The administrator is then presented with a menu of componentsthat can be used to create the desired experience in the clientcommunications interface. Initial components could include and can belisted as: “Add Comms”, “Add Data Feed”, “Add Video”, “Add ControlSurface”, “Add White Boarding”, and “Audio/Video Ambience.”

The administrator first selects “Add Comms” to create non-blocking,always-on conferencing channels used by launch personnel to facilitaterocket launches. One or more channels may be set up, named, and assignedto various users. The administrator may also interface to existingcommunications systems via SIP or four-wire audio interface. Also usingthe “Add Comms” option the administrator may set up one or morecommunications channels to live stream audio monitor sources, such asweather reports. These sources may be interfaced via four-wire audio,SIP, or chosen from online Internet news/audio sources. Once created thechannels can be displayed in different shapes, sizes, and colorcombinations and moved in virtual reality space by users. The channelscan also be associated with images and objects in virtual reality space.

Next the administrator selects “Add Data” to add one or more real-timetelemetry feeds, interfaced from the source at the physical rocketlaunch facility. The client communications interface generating softwareprovides a number of tools, options, and APIs to enable users tointerface real-time data streams and bring them into the VR domain. Oncethe telemetry data feed is set-up, named, and saved, it can be assignedto one or more users. The data feed appears in VR space to users as ascreen that can be sized and moved to the desired location.

Next the administrator selects “Add Video” to add one or more live videomonitoring feeds showing certain views of the rocket. As with the othercomponents, source options and strategies for acquisition vary. In thisexample the source is cameras places at the physical launch site and thefeed is acquired via a video card on a client side PC running softwarefrom VR Control Rooms. The software acquires the feed(s) and brings itinto the hosting server for distribution to users via the clientcommunications interface. When users enter the virtual realityexperience, the video feed(s) appears as screens that can be sized andmoved around in virtual space to the desired location.

Next the administrator selects “Add Control Surface” to allow control ofboth physical and soft systems used in rocket launches while in VR inthe client communications interface. In this application lighting, audioswitching, and machine/automation controls are set up and appear as UIsurfaces in VR that can be sized and moved around in 3D space.

Next the administrator selects “Add Ambience” and chooses from a libraryof high resolution 360 photos, or uploads a 360 photo of their own,perhaps taken from the actual rocket launch site. A previously recorded,looping 360 video can also be used, or a 360 live stream. When usersenter the VR experience, the ambience selected appears as the backdropof the virtually created world around them.

Once all required components are created the administrator can test theVR experience, select to “Go Live”, and send out invites via email ortext to assigned users.

3. VR TV Broadcast Truck

Using the SaaS platform software for generating a client communicationsinterface, a television remote truck (OB Van) control room can becreated in VR and/or augmented reality. In this application, one canextend a live television event control room with a physical presence toremote participants.

To begin, the customer creates an account online from the hostingwebsite. The system administrator can then login to a private and secureweb-based utility that enables the creation of custom virtual and/oraugmented reality experiences. To set-up a virtual and/or augmentedtelevision control room the administrator selects a menu option tocreate a new experience and name it appropriately. The administratorthen designates the number of users that require access to theexperience, pricing would be calculated, and the customer would agree tothe fees, billed monthly until discontinued. The administrator can thenimport or input user information and contact information and later inthe process send out invites. Note, all users may or may not be assignedto the same virtual and/or augmented experience(s) set up by theadministrator and within each virtual and/or augmented experience, mayor may not be assigned all components. In this fashion the administratorcan determine, based on criteria such as job function and rank, whichexperiences and components are appropriate and needed on a per userbasis. The administrator is then presented with a menu of componentsthat can be used to create the desired experience. Initial componentsinclude and can be listed as: “Add Comms”, “Add Data Feed”, “Add Video”,“Add Control Surface”, “Add White Boarding”, and “Audio/Video Ambience.”

The administrator first selects “Add Comms” to create non-blocking,always-on conferencing channels used by production personnel tofacilitate television productions. One or more channels may be set up,named, and assigned to various users. The administrator may alsointerface to existing communications systems via SIP or four-wire audiointerface. Also using the “Add Comms” option the administrator may setup one or more monitor channels to live stream program audio sources.These sources may be interfaced via four-wire audio or SIP. Once thechannels are created, talk/listen selector images can be displayed indifferent shapes, sizes, and color combinations and moved in virtualand/or augmented reality space by users. The channels can also beassociated with images and objects in VR space.

Next the administrator selects “Add Video” to add one or more live videomonitoring feeds showing various views of the production location. Aswith the other components, source options and strategies for acquisitionvary. In this example the source is cameras placed at the physicalproduction site and the feed is acquired via a video card on aclient-side PC running software from the hosting software company. Thesoftware acquires the feed(s) and brings it into the hosting server fordistribution to users via the client communications interface. Whenusers enter the VR experience, the video feed(s) appear as screens thatcan be sized and moved around in 3D VR space to the desired location.

Next the administrator selects “Add Control Surface” to allow control ofboth physical and soft systems used in television production while inVR. In this application lighting, audio switching, video switching,graphics control, and machine/automation controls are set up and appearas UI surfaces in VR that can be sized and moved around in 3D space.

Next the administrator selects “Add Ambience” and chooses from a libraryof high resolution 360 photos, or uploads a 360 photo of their own,perhaps taken from the actual production site as well as the truckcontrol room. A previously recorded, looping 360 video can also be used,or a 360 live stream. When users enter the VR experience (or augmentedreality experience), the ambience selected appears as the backdrop ofthe virtually created world around them.

Once all required components are created the administrator can test theVR experience, select to “Go Live”, and send out invites via email ortext to assigned users.

4. VR Trainer

Many possibilities exist to create VR experiences outside missioncritical control rooms with the SaaS client communications interfacegenerating platform. One such application extends to athletic training,coaching, and teaching. Using such a platform, especially itsinterfacing capabilities to the “real world”, a trainer can be broughtto students participating within VR. The A/V ambience feature is used tobring a live stream of a trainer and associated real world backgroundinto VR. In this manner the students feels like they are in the samephysical room as the trainer. The matrix communications platform is usedso that the trainer can communicate in real-time with one or morestudents, simultaneously.

We claim:
 1. A conferencing system for facilitating enhancedcommunication between users, the conferencing system comprising: acommunication interface configured to, during a conference session,provide a virtual and/or augmented conference between multiple usershaving access to a multi-channel, multi-access, always-on, andnon-blocking communication.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein saidcommunication interface is in communication with a video component thatprovides video to one or more of said users.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein said communication interface is in communication with a datacomponent that provides non-audio data to one or more of said users. 4.The system of claim 3, wherein said data component comprises ageo-positioning and mapping component.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereinsaid geo-positioning and mapping component is configured to collectgeo-position data from one or more users.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein said communication interface is in communication with anaudio/video ambience component that provides audio/video to one or moreof said users.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said communicationinterface is in communication with a whiteboard component that providesa whiteboard function to one or more of said users.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising wherein said communication interface isgenerated by centrally hosted Saas software.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein said communication interface is in communication with an audioanalysis component that analyzes incoming human speech audio data for:i) substantive content and/or 2) human emotion content.
 10. The systemof claim 9, wherein said audio analysis component comprises artificialintelligence software and/or machine learning software.
 11. The systemof claim 9, wherein said substantive content comprises situationalcontext, wherein said situational context comprises at least onesituation selected from the group consisting of: a medical emergency, aproduct or service complaint, a financial inquiry, a product or serviceorder, a product or service review, a credit card inquiry, and a requestto display a whiteboard.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein said humanemotion content comprises at least one human emotion selected from thegroup consisting of: distress, pain, anger, frustration, happiness,satisfaction, annoyance, and panicking.
 13. A non-transitory computerreadable storage media having instructions stored thereon that, whenexecuted by a conferencing system, direct the conferencing system toperform a method for facilitating enhanced communication between users,the method comprising: during a conference session, providing a virtualand/or augmented conference with multi-channel, multi-access, always-on,and non-blocking communication between a plurality of users.
 14. Asystem for generating a client communication interface for a conferencesession comprising: a) a computer processor, and b) non-transitorycomputer memory comprising one or more computer programs and a database,wherein said one or more computer programs comprises virtual and/oraugmented reality client communication interface software, and whereinsaid one or more computer programs, in conjunction with said computerprocessor, is/are configured to generate a client communicationinterface for a conference session with a plurality of users by sendingand receiving information from the following first components: i) a comsystem component, wherein said com system component is configured to,during a conference session, provide a multi-channel, multi-access,always-on, and non-blocking communication; ii) a video system component,wherein said video component provides video to said plurality of users;and iii) a data component, wherein said data component providesnon-audio data to said plurality of users.
 15. The system of claim 14,wherein said one or more computer programs, in conjunction with saidcomputer processor, is/are further configured to generate said clientcommunication interface for a conference session with a plurality ofusers by sending and receiving information from at least one of thefollowing second components: i) audio/video ambience component thatprovides audio/video to said plurality of users, and ii) a whiteboardcomponent that provides a whiteboard function to said plurality ofusers.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein said virtual and/or augmentedreality client communication interface software comprises centrallylocated SaaS software.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein said SaaSsoftware is hosted on the internet.
 18. The system of claim 14, whereinsaid data component comprises a geo-positioning and mapping component.19. The system of claim 18, wherein said geo-positioning and mappingcomponent is configured to collect geo-position data from one or moreusers.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein said communication interfaceis in communication with an audio analysis component that analyzesincoming human speech audio data for: i) substantive content and/or 2)human emotion content.